A closer instead of Kool-Aid

The Orioles teased their fans with the ill-fated deal that almost put solid closer Grant Balfour in their bullpen last week, but the medical results did not pass muster and the Orioles are back to Square One in their quest to replace Jim Johnson. Dan Duquette may have to hope there is an after-Christmas sale in the free agent market, because the O's obviously aren't willing to pay former Tampa Bay Rays closer Fernando Rodney $10 million per year. Obviously, there are internal candidates who may end up auditioning for the role, but it's going to be hard to make a case that the Orioles are committed to improving if they don't unwrap a proven pitcher in the next few weeks.

The Orioles teased their fans with the ill-fated deal that almost put solid closer Grant Balfour in their bullpen last week, but the medical results did not pass muster and the Orioles are back to Square One in their quest to replace Jim Johnson. Dan Duquette may have to hope there is an after-Christmas sale in the free agent market, because the O's obviously aren't willing to pay former Tampa Bay Rays closer Fernando Rodney $10 million per year. Obviously, there are internal candidates who may end up auditioning for the role, but it's going to be hard to make a case that the Orioles are committed to improving if they don't unwrap a proven pitcher in the next few weeks.